Decadent Carrot Cake with Creamy Philadelphia Frosting

Carrot Cake Recipe Breakdown

Here’s a breakdown of the carrot cake recipe, extracted from the provided text:

Ingredients:

* Flour: 250 g
* Baking powder: 1 sachet (size unspecified, likely standard ~15g)
* salt: 1/2 tsp.
* Cinnamon: 1 tsp.
* Eggs: 3
* Brown sugar: 150 g
* Oil: 100 ml
* Vanilla flavor: 1 tbsp. coffee (likely 1 tablespoon)
* Carrots: 250 g (grated)
* Walnuts: 100 g (chopped – optional)
* Butter: 100 g (softened)
* Philadelphia Cheese: 200 g
* Icing sugar: 150 g

Instructions:

1. Preheating and Preparing the Mold: Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F). Butter and flour a round cake pan.
2. Readiness of Dry Ingredients: Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well.
3. Creation of the Main device: Beat eggs wiht brown sugar until light and foamy. Add oil and vanilla extract, mix well.
4. Assembling the Dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently. Fold in grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using).
5. Baking the Cake: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. cool before removing from pan.
6. Preparing the Icing: whisk together softened butter, Philadelphia cheese, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

What are the nutritional benefits of including carrots in a dessert like carrot cake?

understanding the Star: The Carrot

Before we dive into the baking, let’s appreciate our key ingredient. Did you know how to pronounce “carrot” correctly? Its /ˈkærət/ – /kær/ and /ət/ combined. Beyond pronunciation, carrots aren’t just for rabbits! they’re packed with beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins, making this carrot cake recipe a slightly healthier indulgence.Choosing fresh, vibrant carrots is crucial for both flavor and moisture in your homemade carrot cake.

The Perfect Carrot Cake Recipe: Ingredients & Preparation

This recipe focuses on a moist, flavorful carrot cake that’s not overly sweet. We’re aiming for a balance that lets the spices and carrots shine.

Yields: 10-12 servings

Prep time: 30 minutes

Bake time: 50-60 minutes

Ingredients:

* 2 cups all-purpose flour

* 2 teaspoons baking soda

* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

* 1/2 teaspoon salt

* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

* 3/4 cup vegetable oil

* 4 large eggs

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

* 3 cups grated carrots (about 6 medium carrots)

* 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for carrot nut cake)

* 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat together sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. stir in the grated carrots, nuts (if using), and raisins/cranberries (if using).
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool wholly before frosting.

Creamy Philadelphia Frosting: The Ultimate Pairing

A classic cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to a moist carrot cake. Using Philadelphia cream cheese ensures a tangy, smooth texture.

Ingredients:

* 8 ounces Philadelphia cream cheese,softened

* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter,softened

* 3-4 cups powdered sugar

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

* Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl,beat together cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
2. gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Start with 3 cups and add more if needed to reach desired consistency.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
4. Frost the cooled carrot cake generously.

Variations & Additions for Your Carrot Cake

Want to personalize your carrot cake recipe? Here are a few ideas:

* Pineapple Carrot Cake: Add 1 cup of crushed pineapple (drained) to the batter for extra moisture and sweetness.

* Spiced Carrot Cake: Increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a more intense spice flavor. Consider adding a pinch of ginger.

* Orange Zest Carrot Cake: Incorporate the zest of one orange into the batter for a bright, citrusy note.

* Layered Carrot Cake: Divide the batter between two 9-inch round cake pans for a classic layered carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Adjust baking time accordingly (around 30-35 minutes).

* Mini carrot Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual carrot cake muffins. Reduce baking time to 18-20 minutes.

Baking Tips for a Moist Carrot Cake

Achieving a perfectly moist carrot cake is all about technique.

* Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten